Mercedes-Benz partnership with ESL kicks off in Hamburg

We’re excited to announce the beginning of a brand-new, global tournament partnership between Mercedes-Benz and ESL. The partnership will extend across sponsorships of multiple tournaments in different countries, with the first being the $1,000,000 ESL One Hamburg 2017 Dota 2 Major.

"Our wide-ranging international commitment to sport allows us to accommodate the interests of our diverse target groups,” said Dr Jens Thiemer, Vice President Marketing Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars. “As a brand, we maintain close contact with our customers, are able to build up empathy and to become an accepted part of their world. We have been following the extremely fast-growing eSports segment for some time now and are firmly of the opinion that this new involvement will complement our existing sports sponsoring activities with an eye on the future and allow us to make contact with a very interesting, new target group."

„We are thrilled to partner with Mercedes-Benz as the premiere automotive brand,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of ESL. “This partnership represents an important step not only for us but for the whole esports industry. Allowing us to explore exciting mobility solutions for the fans and players across the world, growing esports together, and getting it to the next level.”

ESL One Hamburg will be the first Major of the 2017-2018 competitive Dota 2 season and one of the first opportunities to see the reformed teams battle for supremacy. From October 28-29, the Barclaycard Arena in Hamburg will play host to eight of the best Dota 2 teams from around the world who are looking to secure early points on their road to The International 8.